It (Commission on the Status of Women) recognizes that women and girls play a vital role as agents of change for sustainable development. ... The Commission calls for creating space for youth, especially young women and girls, to participate in shaping the decisions on climate change, environmental degradation and disasters that will affect their future and, to this end, enhancing curricula at all levels of education.
The Working Group on Girls (WGG) recognizes the importance of including the diverse perspectives of youth at the United Nations. Each year they work to ensure that there are consistent opportunities for girls to participate in the events and advocacy efforts of the Commission on the Status of Women.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. In 2022, the sixty-sixth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) adopted, “Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes;” as its priority theme.
As a facilitator and core group member of the Girls’ Caucus, I was a part of a public forum for girls to discuss the progress at the CSW66 concerning the interests and needs of girls. The caucus allowed me to review the Zero Draft and various drafts of the Agreed Conclusions of the Commission. It was an opportunity to propose edits and new language in relation to the perceptions and experiences of girls across the globe. This event allowed me to develop an advocacy strategy that is effective and diplomatic.
Attending this event gave me an exhaustive understanding of UN processes and UN
language. It was an important exercise in learning how definitive and impactful our thoughts and actions can be even for the global world. This experience has further fuelled me to seek opportunities where I am empowered to interact with and learn from the perspectives of a diverse group of individuals.
A special vote of thanks to all my wonderful sisters from the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Congregation of Jesus who ensured my fruitful participation in this programme!
Read the CSW66 Agreed Conclusions HERE.
Author: Sangya Pandey (St. Mary’s Nepal)
